Dorset farmers launch ‘Lookout’ group to tackle rising mental health challenge

Members who have joined the recently launched programme include farmers and other individuals of different backgrounds who work in the agricultural industry and understand the challenges faced by farming over the coming years.

All Lookouts receive basic training on recognising the early signs of depression and anxiety and offering support to those in need, delivered by national charity The Farming Community Network (FCN).

The main concept behind the group is that if a volunteer notices a neighbour, friend or family member struggling, they can encourage that individual to seek help and point them in the right direction.

While the Lookouts primarily act as a point of contact for the community, they can also provide support in the form of farm visits, advice over the phone, and referral to the NHS mental health service.

According to Public Health Dorset, the farming community in Dorset is at a high risk of experiencing mental health issues, which prompted FCN volunteer Nick Viney to assemble the group.

“We know that early intervention is so important – the sooner we recognise that we may need help and start talking, the better the outcomes,” he said.

“There is still stigma in farming about mental health and people often adopt the ‘tough as old boots’ approach. But recognising we all need help at some point and that seeking support is a strength, not a weakness, is very important.”

FCN will continue to support and monitor the Dorset Lookouts group and encourage the local community to take part.

The initiative has already been promoted to numerous companies and organisations involved with farming in the area, such as veterinary practices, Agri machinery dealers, and feed companies that are all well positioned to pick up on concerning signs and refer back to the Lookouts.

Charmain Dascombe, FCN’s regional support officer in Dorset, elaborated on how the charity will be working with the group:

“This is very much a farming-led initiative. FCN will provide training to the group and ensure that Lookouts are closely aligned with our Helpline and local volunteers who can provide more specialist support if required. The Lookouts will form an important ‘first-responder’ role alongside FCN volunteers.”

Hiding in plain sight: farmer with personal experience joins Lookouts group

Dorset farmer Trevor Cligg of Pipplepen Farm struggled with mental health for many years, which prompted him to get involved with the Lookouts initiative. He explained that while farming can be a wonderful job, the industry is going through a period of change which can be challenging to manage for many farmers.

“There is a strong community spirit in farming and we need to look out for each other over the next few years as we adapt to a set of new rules and policies. Knowing the signs that someone might be finding things difficult and being able to start a conversation and connect that person with support will be really important.

“Depression and anxiety can happen to anyone and those experiencing poor mental health are often hiding in plain sight. Recognising the signs early before a person reaches crisis point is crucial,” he stressed.

Speaking to Farmers Guide, Mr Cligg revealed some of the most common triggers of mental health issues in farming. These include bovine TB, the pressures of farm assurance and inspections, financial constraints and also isolation.

Moreover, he said that while the wider community is generally quite supportive of farmers, the government has been putting considerable strain on the industry and created many of the challenges farmers struggle with today.

“We, as farmers, feel constantly torn in different directions because we have a government that wants us to produce more, from less, for less, which is a constant pressure,” he said. There is also the pressures of improving animal welfare and environmental impact, which farmers have to be compensated for, he added.

To improve the current situation, Mr Cligg believes farmers need clear government policy as it is uncertain where the industry is heading at present. Retailers also have a part to play, he says, especially when it comes to paying a fair price for produce to avoid food shortages.

Alongside providing support to the farming community, organisations like the Lookouts or the FCN play a vital role in raising awareness of the issues experienced by farmers, which Mr Cligg hopes will put more pressure on the government and retailers to take action.

“If we can save a life, it will be worth it”

Last but not least, Mr Cligg wished to highlight the fact that farming has a reputation for being the most dangerous industry to work in. But while many people perish in on-farm accidents, statistics show that even more take their own lives, which is lesser known in the wider community.

As part of its annual Mind Your Head campaign, the Farm Safety Foundation highlighted statistics showing that 133 people in UK agriculture took their own lives in 2019-20. The figures were originally published by the Office of National Statistics and illustrate the scale of mental health issues facing British farming.

Mr Cligg went on to point out that poor mental health can also be the cause of accidents in agriculture. He explained that when farmers are feeling really down, they often don’t take care when they should and cut corners, which can lead to a tragedy.

However, the more people can open up about mental health and are able to share their experiences, the easier it will be for others to do the same, he added. Poor mental health should be treated like any other illness, and those struggling should be encouraged to seek professional help before it is too late.

As many will not seek help for the fear of being shamed, the Lookouts have been set up to make the process easier. “We certainly can’t help everybody, but if we can help a few, it will be worth it,” Mr Cligg concluded.

Lookouts will be active at local events and shows in Dorset throughout 2023.

If you would like to become a Lookout in your local community, find out more about the role, or are concerned about someone, please call 03000 111 999 and mention Dorset Lookouts, or email help@fcn.org.uk and you will be connected to the group.

More information about the Lookouts project is available via the FCN website at: https://fcn.org.uk/lookouts/